1. The Original Oak, Headingley, Leeds, England

There's no better place to be in the long summer nights. This pub in the middle of Headingley, famous for cricket and rugby as well as its huge student population, is ideal for spending a hazy summer night drinking. Until quite recently the outside area was a well-kept bowling green but now it is a huge sprawling beer garden with a bar and BBQ that runs all day until the late evening.Contact: 0113 275 1322Robert English

2. The Eagle and Child Inn, Staveley, the Lake District, England

By-passed by the road to the lakes between Kendal and Windermere is a cosy pub that looks run-of-the-mill for the village highstreet. Its secret is a lovely garden across the road by the river Kent which really does babble, chuckle and do all those other things rivers are supposed to do. Needless to say, this a base for endless, fantastic walks. Good food and friendly people.Contact: 01539 821320; eaglechildinn.co.ukMartin Wainwright

3. The Maenllwyd Inn, Rudry, Caerphilly, Wales

Atop a hill overlooking a Welsh valley where I grew up sits the implausibly and unpronouncably-named Maenllywd Inn. If you can bear to leave the cosy oak-beamed and fire-licked interior, there is a west-facing terrace to the rear, where you can watch the sun set over green fields populated by grazing sheep and the occasional horse, in near-silence.Contact: 029 2088 2372 James Anthony

4. Martyrs Bay Restaurant, Isle of Iona, Scotland

Though the pub itself is hideous - a bar that looks like a Barrett Homes showroom - the back patio of the pub makes up for all of that. Situated next to the jetty on the east side of the island, it's an unbelievable place. On a calm spring or summer's day, looking out over Mull to Ben More and beyond, the calm of the bright blue sea is interrupted only by the ferry bringing tourists to and from the island, small fishing boats pootling about, the hope of a seal, and, occasionally, if you're very, very lucky, a pod of dolphins. Contact: 01681 700382Anna Pickard

5. Prince of Wales, Hersham, Surrey, England

A big garden with plenty of space for lounging around. Those with kids can enjoy their beer from a great selection, including a number of real ales, while keeping an eye on their energetic offspring. After a lazy afternoon, which is likely to include lunch from a relatively standard but varied and good-quality menu, you can always wander across the road to feed the ducks in the nearby pond.Contact: 01372 465483Georgia Coles

6. Square and Compass, Worth Matravers, Dorset, England

This tiny bar plays host to perfect pasties and tasty beverages. About as far from a commercial chain pub as it is possible to imagine and a sight for sore eyes (and feet) at the end of a morning's walk on the coast path.Contact: 01929 439229Elliot Smith

7. The Phoneix, Alexandra Palace, London, England

The Phoenix at Alexandra Palace is one to take advantage of in summer. The inside is nothing to write home about but the terrace offers one of the best views over London you can get, with the Dome, Canary Wharf and the BT tower all spread out before you. It's a bit of a hike to the top of the hill, but at least you feel as though you've earned your pint when you get there. Contact: 020 8365 2121; alexandrapalace.comHilary Osborne

8. The Bridge End Inn, Crickhowell, Wales

You'll find this gem across a hump back bridge, over a winding river, and through a small gate that you could easily miss. On hot summer's days it becomes a suntrap and you can sit on the riverbank watching kids jump into the fast-flowing river and take bets on weather they'll make it out the other side, like real-life Pooh sticks. In spring there may also be lambs, which taste even better with a riverside view. Contact: 01873 810338 Georgia Brown

9. Pear Tree House, Edinburgh, Scotland

This a bit of an Edinburgh institution. The beer "garden" - it's actually all cobblestones - is row upon row of tables. Late at night – and this is Scotland, so it's open till 3am - the local pizza man carries trays round the drinkers, selling slices for a pound. It's slap bang in the middle of everything for the Fringe and Festival, and attracts a big mix of people. Everyone goes to the Pear Tree.
Contact: 0131 667 7533;
thepeartreehouse.co.ukEd Ewing

10. The Horseshoe Inn at Egton Bridge, Yorkshire, England

The Horseshoe is close to perfect: sweeping gardens surrounding an 18th-century coaching inn beside the river Esk on the Whitby side of the North York Moors. The building is a warren of wood-panelled rooms but it's even better outside on a sunny day. Good food, beer and very cheerful service. Outstanding walks up or down the river to steam train stations at Glaisdale and Grosmont. You'll find local history of this interesting Catholic enclave in bundles.Contact: yehorseshoe.co.ukMartin Wainwright